Plan for Fall With Fire Safety in Mind

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The Pack is back on the field, mornings and evenings are brisk once again, and suddenly everything is flavored with pumpkin spice. Yes, all the signs are here—fall has arrived in Kenosha.

Campout opportunities abound, fall decorations come out of storage and you’ve finally got good reasons to wear your favorite hoodie again.

But with each new season we should remind ourselves of basic fire safety needs, and fall is no different. Let’s go over a few of the most important things to remember this fall.

Campfire Safety

When you head out to the campsite, it’s equally important to know both how to build and how to put out your fire.

Any campfires should be at least 25 feet away from cars, tents or any structures, and not underneath any low tree branches. Use only safe ignition tools like matches or lighters with kindling—never use kerosene or lighter fluid. They may burn fast, but they can quickly get out of control.

Don’t leave your fire unattended at any point, and definitely don’t break camp until it’s completely extinguished—that means every last ember needs to be soaked through until any wood and all ash is cool to the touch.

Open Burning

Leaves are changing and falling, and when you end up with a yard full of dry, brown ones you may choose to burn them. You’ll need to check with your local fire department and get a permit first.

Only include organic yard waste like leaves and sticks in your burn—anything else is illegal and potentially toxic. Keep your burn pile at least 50 feet from your home, and never leave it unattended.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are always a risk because of their electrical draw and intense heat. Make sure your heater is a newer model with tip-over and overheat sensors, and keep it away from anywhere children might be active.

Operate your heater on a flat, level surface. Plug it directly into an outlet, as it can short an extension cord. Turn it off whenever you leave the room, and always unplug it when you go to bed.

Halloween

We’ll discuss this later in more detail, but decorating with candles, cobwebs or hanging lights can all be dangerous. Celebrate big, but celebrate safely.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.